Teemoidae

Teemoidae is a superfamily of myxozoan parasites that infect a variety of fish species worldwide. The members of this group are typically microscopic, parasitic organisms that inhabit freshwater and marine environments. The name Teemoidae refers to the Teemoidea clade, a group of myxozoans that were formerly referred to as the class Ideogregarinorida.

These parasites are part of the group of myxozoans, a diverse group of organisms that are known for their complex life cycles involving multiple hosts. The life cycle of myxozoans typically involves a two-host system, with polypoid invertebrates serving as the chronic host and fish serving as the sporogonic host. In the case of Teemoidae, the chronic host is typically a aquatic invertebrate, while the fish host serves as the site where the parasite undergoes spore formation and reproduction.

Studies have shown that Teemoidae members exhibit a wide range of host-specific behaviors and parasite-host interactions. For example, some species of Teemoidae are known to cause lesions and organ degeneration in infected hosts, while others may exhibit a high degree of host specificity. Despite their apparent evolutionary success, however, the Teemoidae are not well-studied, and their life cycles and ecologies are not yet fully understood. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationships between Teemoidae and their hosts, as well as to understand the role these parasites play in shaping the ecology of aquatic ecosystems.